Meeting Times

About The Lodge

On 23 December 1839, a meeting of Freemasons was convened to form a Lodge to be denominated ‘The Lodge of Australia Felix' The first Lodge Meeting was held on Monday 6 January 1840.

Foundation Master WBro. George Brunswick Smythe, a member of St Mary's of London Lodge, rode from Sydney to Melbourne on horseback to deliver the dispensation warrant that would allow the Lodge of Australia Felix to meet. However he resigned after the conclusion of the consecration ceremony. He felt that as he was the Police Magistrate there could be a conflict of interest. Brunswick Street in Fitzroy Victoria is named after him.

Foundation Senior Warden of the Lodge William Meek was the first lawyer to settle in Melbourne and the foundation secretary of the Melbourne Club. The Fourth Master was John Thomas Smith, who opened the first theatre in Melbourne, the Queens Theatre Royale, served seven terms as Mayor. Smith Street which divides the cities of Fitzroy and Collingwood was named after him.

In the early development of Melbourne/Freemasons played an important part in civic ceremonies, and more particularly in the laying of the foundation stones of public buildings and bridges.

On 25 July 1842 the brethren of Australia Felix lead the first non military parade through the streets of Melbourne to lay the foundation of the new courthouse on the corner of Russell and Latrobe streets. This building stood until the early 1900's when it was demolished to make way for the sandstone building that currently occupies the site – the Magistrates Court. The trowel, used at this and many other civic stone laying ceremonies is currently in the custodianship of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria.

On 20 March 1846 the foundation stone for the Princess Bridge was laid. The Lodge Trowel mentioned above was also used in this ceremony.

Lodge of Australia Felix

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